Surgical splint



Dec. 15, 1931. J. J. ETTINGER r 1,837,153

' SURGICAL SPLINT Filed April 5, 1929 INVENTOR.

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Patented Dec. 15, 1931 UNITED STATES JOE J. ETTINGR, OF WARSAW,

comm, OF WARS-AW, INDIANA, A CORPORATION SURGICAL SPLINT Application filed April 5, 1929. Serial No. 352738.

The invention relates to surgical splints and it is particularly directed to splints for securing extension of the spinal column.

Heretofore splints for securing extension of the spinal column generally include a strap and pad that is engaged under the chin of the patien Such pad is most uncomfortable to the patient since it interferes with the use of his lower jaw and feeding is accomplished with difficulty. I

The object of m present invention is to provide a single sp int by which positive extension of the spinal column may be secured with a minimum of discomfort on the part of the patient and the patient has free use of his jaws at all times.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure l is a side view of the splint applied to the head of a person; Fig. 2 a plan view of the splint and Fig. 3 a side elevational view of the splint.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention the splint consists of a frame 1 a bar 2 that is bent upon itself, the forward ends 3 being brought into engagement with the opposite sides of a loop 4 to which a ring 5 is pivoted. A rivet 6 secures the ends 3 and the loop together. The rivet may be loose in the loop so that the loop may swing in a vertical plane if desirable. The curve of the bend in the bar is of such size and shape that the frame may be installed on the human head with the said curved portion in contact with the lower back part of the head and extending upwardly and forwardly in contact with the opposite sides of the head. A pad 7 is bar where it contacts with the head not only to protect the head against injury but to provide a positive grip for the frame upon the head. Beyond the opposite ends of the pad the arms 8 of the bar approach one'another so that the forward portion of the frame is V-shaped.

- ed to engage the secured about the with the opposite sides of INDIANA, ASSIGNOR 'TO ZIMMER MANUFACTURING Buckles 9 are suitably secured to the frame at proper points and these buckles are adaptopposite ends of a tape 10 to which is secured a pad 11 that is adapted to be engaged on the forehead. The buckles permit the adjustment of the pad 11 so that itmay be firmlyengaged on the forehead of the patient. When the tape ends 10 are drawn up the frame is rigidly clamped on the'head. Rings 1-2 are pivotally mounted on the side arms 8 and to these rings and to the ring 5 are attached cables or ropes which pass over pulleys or are united and pass over one pulley, a proper counterweight be ing attached to the other end of the cable or cables. The weight pulls on the cables and through them upon the frame. The frame will not separate from the pateients head, hence the head is pulled upwardly and the spine is extended the desired degree. 1

The anchor of the splint upon the head is sufficient to enable one to elevate a person off the floor. Hence by selecting the proper counterweight the desired extension of the spine is readily secured.

Since the frame when installed, slants upwardly and the forehead band holds it in place, the face and jaws of the patient are not encumbered or touched and he is as comfortable as one in his condition can be. At the same time he can eat-his food in comfort.

Various modifications in the shape of the frame will be suggested all which I believe to be within the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

, 1. A splint comprising a bar bent upon itself, the bend of the bar being such as to be capable of engagement on the lower part of the back of the human head and to extend upwardly and forwardly and in engagement covering the head-engaging surfaces of the bar, the opposite ends of the bar being sethe head, pads cured together and a forehead engaging pad carried by the bar.

2. A splint comprising a bar having its opposite ends secured together and its central portion curved to form a frame engageable 0n the lower part of the back of the human 5 head and on the opposite sides of the head in an upward and forward direction, pads on the head-engaging surfaces of the bar, a forehead engaging pad adjustably carried by the bar and support-engaging means on the bar.

10 In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand. 7.. 7 JOE J. ETTINGER. 

